👶Sleep and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
Understanding your newborn's developing sleep patterns
Your Baby's Sleep Development
Just when you think that getting more shut-eye is a far-off dream, your baby will begin to sleep longer stretches at night. Baby's sleep cycle is getting closer to yours, and your little one may be feeding less often at night.
But don't assume you'll be hitting the snooze button just yet. At this stage, "sleeping through the night" is considered to be a stretch of only 5 or 6 hours.
⏰How Long Will My Baby Sleep?
Because babies this age are more awake, alert, and aware of their surroundings during daylight hours, they're more likely to be tired at night and sleep. But the range of normal is still very wide.
Sleep Requirements:
Infants up to 3 months old should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, says the National Sleep Foundation.
Typical Sleep Pattern:
- • 2-3 naps during the day
- • Longer "sleeping through the night" stretch
- • After a late-night feeding
- • 5-6 hours considered "through the night"
What to Expect:
- •More alert and aware during daylight hours
- •More likely to be tired at night
- •May be feeding less often at night
- •Wide range of normal sleep patterns
🛏️How Should Babies Sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months or, ideally, until a baby's first birthday. This is when the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is highest.
Room-Sharing (Safe):
Room-sharing is when you place your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your own bedroom instead of in a separate room. This keeps baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring baby at night.
Benefits:
- • Easier nighttime feeding
- • Quick comfort and monitoring
- • Reduces SIDS risk
- • Convenient for parents
Bed-Sharing (Not Safe):
While room-sharing is safe, putting your baby to sleep in bed with you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Important Warning:
Bed-sharing significantly increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Always use a separate sleep surface for your baby.
⚠️Safe Sleep Environment Guidelines
Follow these recommendations for a safe sleep environment for your little one:
Sleep Position & Surface:
- •Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on the stomach or side
- •Use a firm, flat sleep surface
- •Cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly
- •Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet
Items to Keep Out:
- •Plush toys, pillows, blankets
- •Unfitted sheets, quilts, comforters
- •Sheepskins and bumper pads
- •Items with cords, ties, or ribbons
Additional Safety Tips:
Temperature & Environment:
- • Dress baby for room temperature, don't overbundle
- • Don't cover baby's head while sleeping
- • Watch for signs of overheating (sweating, hot to touch)
- • Keep baby away from smokers
Pacifiers & Hazards:
- • Offer pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it
- • Don't replace pacifier if it falls out during sleep
- • Wait until breastfeeding is established
- • Check for hanging mobiles, wall hangings, blind cords
💤Helping Your Baby Sleep
Bedtime Routine:
If you haven't already, start a bedtime routine that will be familiar and relaxing for your baby. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal an end to the day.
- •Be consistent with your routine
- •Include bathing, reading, and singing
- •Some babies like to be swaddled (until they start to roll)
- •Baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping
Sleep Independence:
If you rock your baby to sleep before bedtime, your little one may expect to be rocked to sleep after nighttime awakenings. Instead, try putting your baby into a crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake.
- •Put baby in crib while drowsy but awake
- •This helps baby learn to fall asleep on their own
- •Some squirming and whining is normal
- •Leave baby alone for a few minutes unless hungry or ill
Nighttime Awakenings:
If your baby wakes during the period that you want them to sleep, keep activity to a minimum. Try to keep the lights low and resist the urge to play with or talk to your baby. Change or feed your baby and then return your little one to the crib or bassinet.
Schedule Adjustment:
If your baby is waking early for a morning feeding, some small changes may allow a slight shift in schedule. You might try waking your baby for the late-night feeding at a time that suits your sleep schedule.
For instance, if your baby sleeps after a 7 p.m. feeding and wakes up at 2 a.m. to eat, try waking the baby to feed at 11 p.m. Then, put your little one down to sleep until an early-morning feeding at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m.
Consistency is Key:
It may take a few nights to establish this routine, but being consistent will improve your chances of success. Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
🏥When Should I Call the Doctor?
Some infants at this age will start sleeping through the night, but there is a wide range of normal. If you have questions about your baby's sleep, talk with your doctor. They can help you understand what's typical for your baby's age and development.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Sleep (1-3 Months)
What does "sleeping through the night" mean for a 1-3 month old?
For babies this age, "sleeping through the night" means a stretch of only 5 or 6 hours, not the full 8+ hours that adults consider a full night's sleep. This is completely normal and expected. Your baby's sleep cycle is still developing and getting closer to yours, but they still need frequent feedings and care.
Is it safe to let my baby sleep on their stomach or side?
No, always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on the stomach or side. The rate of SIDS has gone way down since the AAP began recommending this in 1992. Back sleeping is the safest position for babies and significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
What's the difference between room-sharing and bed-sharing?
Room-sharing is when you place your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your own bedroom - this is safe and recommended. Bed-sharing is when you put your baby to sleep in the same bed with you - this is not safe and increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months.
Can I put a blanket or stuffed animal in my baby's crib?
No, do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet. Keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, unfitted sheets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads out of your baby's sleep area. These items can pose suffocation and strangulation risks. Use only a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.
Should I wake my baby for feedings or let them sleep?
This depends on your baby's age, weight, and your pediatrician's recommendations. For newborns, you may need to wake them for feedings if they're not gaining weight properly. For 1-3 month olds who are growing well, you can often let them sleep longer stretches. Always follow your doctor's specific guidance for your baby.
Is it okay to swaddle my baby for sleep?
Swaddling is generally OK until babies start to roll (typically around 3-4 months old). Some babies find swaddling very soothing and it can help them sleep better. However, once your baby shows signs of rolling over, you should stop swaddling to prevent them from rolling onto their stomach while swaddled, which can be dangerous.
How can I help my baby learn to fall asleep on their own?
Try putting your baby into the crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake, rather than rocking them to sleep completely. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently. Some babies may squirm, whine, or even cry a little before falling asleep - this is normal. Unless you think your baby is hungry or ill, give them a few minutes to settle down on their own.
What should I do if my baby wakes up frequently at night?
Frequent night wakings are normal for 1-3 month olds. When your baby wakes, keep activity to a minimum - keep lights low and resist the urge to play or talk to your baby. Change or feed your baby as needed, then return them to the crib. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine to help signal that it's time for sleep.
Can I use a pacifier to help my baby sleep?
Yes, you can offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, you don't have to replace it. If you're breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is firmly established before introducing a pacifier. Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough sleep?
Babies 1-3 months old should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Signs your baby is getting enough sleep include: being alert and content when awake, feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and having periods of calm alertness. If you're concerned about your baby's sleep patterns, talk to your pediatrician.